New ‘Alpha’ Wolf Leads the Amarok Pack

A Short Evolution of Amarok in New Zealand.

In 2011 the Volkswagen Amarok entered the NZ market as the first European ute, initially featuring a 2.0 litre 120kW, 400Nm Twin turbo TDI power plant, available in manual transmission. Shortly thereafter in 2012 we saw the introduction of the 8-speed automatic transmission option, matched to a new permanent 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen centre differential. 2.0L, 132kW, 420Nm were some of the updated key performance metrics.

For the next 5 years, the Amarok clearly established itself as an aspirational 1-tonne ute that Kiwis either were either drawn to in their desire to own one, or for those lucky enough to call one their own it became part of their own DNA – albeit using a ‘downgraded’ power plant ‘only’ featuring a 2.0 litre engine that many deemed unfit for the rough, tough ute world in Aotearoa. Fast-forward to current day and its clear to see that some of Volkswagen’s innovation in utilising small displacement truck bred technology has influenced some of the bigger players in the ever-growing ute segment.

2017 marked the introduction of the Amarok’s V6 3.0 litre engine, refined from other VW Group vehicles including the Porsche Cayenne and Audi A6, A7, Q7, as well as VW’s own Touareg. 165kW (180kW on over-boost), 550Nm and 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds were the standout stats.

Today, the ‘alpha’ wolf steps out of the pack, delivering 190kW (200kW on over-boost), 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds and class leading 580Nm of torque in the top of the line Aventura model derivative.

Tom Ruddenklau, General Manager for Volkswagen New Zealand stated; “Despite being available to Kiwis for less than a decade, the Amarok design (originally based on the same “design DNA” as the legendary Golf) has become grounded in what already seems to have become something of an iconic status amongst existing owners. The introduction of our new chart-topping model will only bolster such a position”. He continued; “As we know, the ute segment in New Zealand is highly competitive and driven by at times, some like-minded options for Kiwi drivers. The short evolution of the Volkswagen Amarok has provided us with some incredible product highlights, but more importantly has been the stories we hear day after day of Kiwis falling more in love with their Amarok.”

The International ute of the year 2018, the Volkswagen Amarok V6 range now starts from just $69,990 plus on roads MRP at time of writing.